Week 1: Is it okay to have questions about God?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read Psalm 13:1–6
David, a man after God’s own heart, asks, “How long, Lord?” He doesn’t hide his doubts or pain from God. Instead, he brings them directly to Him. Faith doesn’t mean never questioning — it means trusting God enough to ask honestly.
DAY TWO
Read Habakkuk 1:2–5
Habakkuk boldly asks why God allows injustice. Instead of shutting him down, God answers — though in a surprising way. God is big enough to handle our “why” questions, even if His answers stretch our understanding.
DAY THREE
Read Mark 9:20–27
A father comes to Jesus desperate for help. He believes, but he also admits his struggle: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus doesn’t reject him for having doubts — He meets him with compassion and power.
DAY FOUR
Read James 1:2–6
James reminds us that God wants us to ask for wisdom. Questions are not weakness — they’re the doorway to wisdom when we ask in faith. God promises to give generously without finding fault.
DAY FIVE
Read Psalm 73:21–28
The psalmist wrestles with why life seems unfair — until he remembers God’s presence. Questions about life’s problems lead him to deeper confidence in God’s goodness and strength. Sometimes, questions don’t give us answers but lead us closer to the Answer.
DAY ONE
Read Psalm 13:1–6
David, a man after God’s own heart, asks, “How long, Lord?” He doesn’t hide his doubts or pain from God. Instead, he brings them directly to Him. Faith doesn’t mean never questioning — it means trusting God enough to ask honestly.
- Why do you think David felt comfortable asking God hard questions?
- Have you ever felt like God was “far away”? How did you respond?
- What does David’s shift in verses 5–6 teach us about balancing doubt and trust?
DAY TWO
Read Habakkuk 1:2–5
Habakkuk boldly asks why God allows injustice. Instead of shutting him down, God answers — though in a surprising way. God is big enough to handle our “why” questions, even if His answers stretch our understanding.
- What question is Habakkuk asking God in this passage?
- How does God’s answer challenge Habakkuk’s perspective?
- What’s a hard question you wish you could ask God right now?
DAY THREE
Read Mark 9:20–27
A father comes to Jesus desperate for help. He believes, but he also admits his struggle: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus doesn’t reject him for having doubts — He meets him with compassion and power.
- How is the father showing faith in the midst of his doubt?
- What does Jesus’ response teach us about His heart toward people who struggle with doubt?
- In what area of your life could you pray, “Help me in my unbelief”?
DAY FOUR
Read James 1:2–6
James reminds us that God wants us to ask for wisdom. Questions are not weakness — they’re the doorway to wisdom when we ask in faith. God promises to give generously without finding fault.
- Why do you think James says to ask “without doubting”?
- What’s the difference between honest questions and disbelief?
- Where do you need wisdom from God this week?
DAY FIVE
Read Psalm 73:21–28
The psalmist wrestles with why life seems unfair — until he remembers God’s presence. Questions about life’s problems lead him to deeper confidence in God’s goodness and strength. Sometimes, questions don’t give us answers but lead us closer to the Answer.
- What struggles is the psalmist wrestling with?
- How does remembering God’s presence change his perspective?
- How can your own questions draw you closer to God instead of away from Him?
Week 2: How do I know the Bible is true?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read 2 Timothy 3:14–17
Paul reminds us that the Bible isn’t just another book. It’s “God-breathed.” That means every page carries the life and truth of God Himself. Scripture teaches us, corrects us, and equips us for every good work.
DAY TWO
Read 2 Peter 1:19–21
The Bible wasn’t written by random human ideas—it was written as the Holy Spirit moved people to speak and write. That’s why we can trust it. It carries God’s authority and not just human opinions.
DAY THREE
Read Psalm 19:7–11
God’s Word is described as perfect, trustworthy, right, and radiant. Scripture isn’t just information—it transforms us, revives us, and brings joy. Reading the Bible is more than study; it’s life-giving.
DAY FOUR
Read Hebrews 4:12-13
The Bible is alive and active. It cuts through our excuses, doubts, and masks, revealing what’s really in our hearts. Scripture isn’t just words on a page—it’s God speaking directly into our lives today.
DAY FIVE
Read John 20:30–31
John explains why he wrote his Gospel—so that we would believe Jesus is the Son of God and have life in His name. The Bible’s purpose isn’t just knowledge; it’s to lead us to faith and life in Christ.
DAY ONE
Read 2 Timothy 3:14–17
Paul reminds us that the Bible isn’t just another book. It’s “God-breathed.” That means every page carries the life and truth of God Himself. Scripture teaches us, corrects us, and equips us for every good work.
- What does it mean that Scripture is “God-breathed”?
- How should this change the way we approach reading the Bible?
- When has Scripture helped guide or equip you in your own life?
DAY TWO
Read 2 Peter 1:19–21
The Bible wasn’t written by random human ideas—it was written as the Holy Spirit moved people to speak and write. That’s why we can trust it. It carries God’s authority and not just human opinions.
- Who really guided the authors of Scripture according to this passage?
- Why is it important that the Bible comes from God and not just people?
- How does this change the way you view the Bible compared to other books?
DAY THREE
Read Psalm 19:7–11
God’s Word is described as perfect, trustworthy, right, and radiant. Scripture isn’t just information—it transforms us, revives us, and brings joy. Reading the Bible is more than study; it’s life-giving.
- Which description of God’s Word stands out to you most in this passage?
- How does God’s Word impact the way we live?
- Why do you think the psalmist compares God’s Word to gold and honey?
DAY FOUR
Read Hebrews 4:12-13
The Bible is alive and active. It cuts through our excuses, doubts, and masks, revealing what’s really in our hearts. Scripture isn’t just words on a page—it’s God speaking directly into our lives today.
- What does it mean that God’s Word is “alive and active”?
- How does the Bible help us see what’s really in our hearts?
- Have you ever read a verse that felt like God was speaking right to you?
DAY FIVE
Read John 20:30–31
John explains why he wrote his Gospel—so that we would believe Jesus is the Son of God and have life in His name. The Bible’s purpose isn’t just knowledge; it’s to lead us to faith and life in Christ.
- Why did John say he wrote his Gospel?
- How is the Bible more than just a history book?
- How has reading Scripture helped you believe and find life in Jesus?
Week 3: How is Jesus separate from God?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read John 1:1–14
John begins his Gospel by showing us that Jesus is not just another teacher or prophet—He is God made flesh. Jesus has always existed with God and as God, and yet He became human to live among us.
DAY TWO
Read Colossians 1:15–20
Paul paints a picture of Jesus as supreme over everything—He is the image of the invisible God, the one through whom all things were created, and the one who holds all things together. This means that to know Jesus is to know God.
DAY THREE
Read John 10:27–30
Jesus boldly says that He and the Father are “one.” His unity with the Father means that when we follow Jesus, we are safe in God’s hands. No one can separate us from Him.
DAY FOUR
Read Philippians 2:5–11
Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human and dying on the cross, but God exalted Him to the highest place. Jesus is both fully human in His humility and fully God in His exaltation—worthy of every knee bowing and tongue confessing.
DAY FIVE
Read Hebrews 1:1–4
The writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. While God spoke through prophets before, He now speaks through His Son—the exact representation of His being. Jesus shows us who God is perfectly.
DAY ONE
Read John 1:1–14
John begins his Gospel by showing us that Jesus is not just another teacher or prophet—He is God made flesh. Jesus has always existed with God and as God, and yet He became human to live among us.
- What does John mean when he calls Jesus “the Word”?
- How do verses 1–3 show us that Jesus is eternal?
- Why is it important that Jesus became flesh and lived among us?
DAY TWO
Read Colossians 1:15–20
Paul paints a picture of Jesus as supreme over everything—He is the image of the invisible God, the one through whom all things were created, and the one who holds all things together. This means that to know Jesus is to know God.
- What does it mean that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God”?
- How does this passage show Jesus’ role in creation?
- How does knowing Jesus holds all things together encourage you?
DAY THREE
Read John 10:27–30
Jesus boldly says that He and the Father are “one.” His unity with the Father means that when we follow Jesus, we are safe in God’s hands. No one can separate us from Him.
- What does Jesus mean when He says, “I and the Father are one”?
- How does this statement show us Jesus’ divinity?
- How does this truth give you confidence in following Him?
DAY FOUR
Read Philippians 2:5–11
Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human and dying on the cross, but God exalted Him to the highest place. Jesus is both fully human in His humility and fully God in His exaltation—worthy of every knee bowing and tongue confessing.
- How does this passage show both Jesus’ humanity and His divinity?
- Why is it important to believe in Jesus' "equality with God"?
- How should we respond to Jesus being exalted above all?
DAY FIVE
Read Hebrews 1:1–4
The writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. While God spoke through prophets before, He now speaks through His Son—the exact representation of His being. Jesus shows us who God is perfectly.
- How did God speak in the past, and how does He speak now?
- What does it mean that Jesus is “the exact representation” of God?
- How does this passage deepen your confidence in who Jesus is?
Week 4: Why is baptism important?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read Matthew 3:13–17
Jesus didn’t need to be baptized because He had no sin, but He chose to be baptized to identify with us and to fulfill God’s plan. When He came out of the water, the Father’s voice and the Spirit’s presence confirmed His mission. Baptism reminds us that we belong to God and live in His approval.
DAY TWO
Read Acts 2:36–41
After Peter preached at Pentecost, the crowd asked what to do. His answer was clear: repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name. Baptism was the immediate, outward response to an inward faith in Jesus. It showed they were turning from sin and following Christ.
DAY THREE
Read Romans 6:1–4
Baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and raised to new life. Going under the water shows our old self dying with Him, and coming out of the water shows our new life in Him. It’s more than a symbol—it’s a powerful picture of what God has done in us.
DAY FOUR
Read Galatians 3:23-28
Paul explains that before Jesus, people were held captive under the law. But now, through faith in Christ, we are God’s children. Baptism is a way of “putting on Christ,” like clothing ourselves in His identity. It shows that we belong to Him, and it unites us with every other believer—no matter our background or differences.
DAY FIVE
Read Ephesians 2:1–10
Paul reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not something we earn. Baptism points us back to the God who saves us. We don’t get baptized to prove ourselves to God—we get baptized because God has already saved us in Christ.
DAY ONE
Read Matthew 3:13–17
Jesus didn’t need to be baptized because He had no sin, but He chose to be baptized to identify with us and to fulfill God’s plan. When He came out of the water, the Father’s voice and the Spirit’s presence confirmed His mission. Baptism reminds us that we belong to God and live in His approval.
- Why do you think Jesus was baptized even though He didn’t need forgiveness?
- What does this passage show us about the Trinity working together?
- How does baptism remind us that God’s approval is based on who He is, not what we’ve done?
DAY TWO
Read Acts 2:36–41
After Peter preached at Pentecost, the crowd asked what to do. His answer was clear: repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name. Baptism was the immediate, outward response to an inward faith in Jesus. It showed they were turning from sin and following Christ.
- What two actions does Peter tell the crowd to take?
- Why do you think baptism was such an immediate step for new believers?
- What does this passage show about baptism and community?
DAY THREE
Read Romans 6:1–4
Baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and raised to new life. Going under the water shows our old self dying with Him, and coming out of the water shows our new life in Him. It’s more than a symbol—it’s a powerful picture of what God has done in us.
- What does baptism picture about our relationship with Jesus?
- How does this passage connect baptism to both death and new life?
- Why is it important that baptism points us to Jesus’ work and not our own?
DAY FOUR
Read Galatians 3:23-28
Paul explains that before Jesus, people were held captive under the law. But now, through faith in Christ, we are God’s children. Baptism is a way of “putting on Christ,” like clothing ourselves in His identity. It shows that we belong to Him, and it unites us with every other believer—no matter our background or differences.
- What does Paul say we become through faith in Christ?
- How does baptism picture “clothing ourselves with Christ”?
- What does this passage teach about unity among Christians?
DAY FIVE
Read Ephesians 2:1–10
Paul reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not something we earn. Baptism points us back to the God who saves us. We don’t get baptized to prove ourselves to God—we get baptized because God has already saved us in Christ.
- According to this passage, how are we saved?
- How does it make you feel to know that you aren't saved by your own actions?
- In what ways can you fall into the trap of trying to "earn" your salvation?
Week 5: Has God predetermined every aspect of our lives?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read Joshua 24:14–15
Joshua challenged the Israelites to make a choice—serve the gods of the nations around them or serve the Lord. God invites us into relationship, but He doesn’t force us. Every day we get to decide: who will we follow?
DAY TWO
Read Ephesians 1:3–14
Paul reminds us that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. God is in control and has a plan, but that plan is always about bringing us closer to Jesus. His sovereignty should give us confidence, not fear.
DAY THREE
Read Romans 1:16–17
Paul suggests that God has expressed His sovereignty—He chose us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) — and now is suggesting that He places the responsibility of faith upon the individual.
DAY FOUR
Read Proverbs 16:9
We make plans, but ultimately God directs our steps. This doesn’t mean our choices don’t matter—it means God is bigger than our choices. He can use our decisions, even mistakes, to accomplish His purposes.
DAY FIVE
Read John 6:35–40
God, in His sovereignty, is drawing people to Jesus — but at the same time, every person is invited to come and believe. This passage shows us both: God is in control, and we are responsible to respond in faith. The best news? Whoever comes to Jesus will never be turned away.
DAY ONE
Read Joshua 24:14–15
Joshua challenged the Israelites to make a choice—serve the gods of the nations around them or serve the Lord. God invites us into relationship, but He doesn’t force us. Every day we get to decide: who will we follow?
- Why do you think Joshua gave the people a choice?
- What does it mean for you to “choose today” who you will serve?
- How does this passage show that our decisions matter to God?
DAY TWO
Read Ephesians 1:3–14
Paul reminds us that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. God is in control and has a plan, but that plan is always about bringing us closer to Jesus. His sovereignty should give us confidence, not fear.
- What does it mean that God “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”?
- How does this passage show both God’s control and His love?
- How does knowing God has a plan bring you peace?
DAY THREE
Read Romans 1:16–17
Paul suggests that God has expressed His sovereignty—He chose us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) — and now is suggesting that He places the responsibility of faith upon the individual.
- If God has chosen us (Ephesians 1:4), why does Paul still call us to believe? How do both of those truths fit together?
- How does this passage show God’s sovereignty and our responsibility at the same time?
- What’s the difference between God making salvation possible and us receiving it by faith?
DAY FOUR
Read Proverbs 16:9
We make plans, but ultimately God directs our steps. This doesn’t mean our choices don’t matter—it means God is bigger than our choices. He can use our decisions, even mistakes, to accomplish His purposes.
- What does this verse say about the relationship between our plans and God’s control?
- How have you seen God redirect your plans in your own life?
- Why is it comforting that God’s purposes always prevail?
DAY FIVE
Read John 6:35–40
God, in His sovereignty, is drawing people to Jesus — but at the same time, every person is invited to come and believe. This passage shows us both: God is in control, and we are responsible to respond in faith. The best news? Whoever comes to Jesus will never be turned away.
- What does Jesus mean when He calls Himself “the bread of life”?
- How do you see both God’s sovereignty and our responsibility in this passage?
- What encouragement do you find in Jesus’ promise that He will “never drive away” those who come to Him?
Week 6: Why Should I Pray if God Already Knows What’s Going to Happen?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read Luke 11:1-4 (also see Matthew 6:9-13)
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him how to pray, He didn’t give them a formula to get what they wanted — He gave them a way to stay connected to God. The Lord’s Prayer shows us that prayer isn’t about informing God but aligning our hearts with His. When we pray, we’re inviting God’s will to be done — not trying to twist His arm to do ours.
DAY TWO
Read Philippians 4:4–7
Paul reminds us that prayer brings peace, not because our circumstances instantly change, but because we change when we talk to God. Even when God already knows our needs, prayer gives us a space to trust Him instead of carrying everything on our own. Prayer is less about the words we say and more about the peace He gives.
DAY THREE
Read James 5:13–18
James tells us to pray in every situation — when we’re happy, hurting, or in need. God’s not asking for perfect prayers; He’s asking for honest ones. Elijah’s prayers in this passage didn’t change God’s plan — they showed his faith and dependence on God’s power. Prayer is powerful because it connects us to the One who is powerful.
DAY FOUR
Read Psalm 62:5–8
David writes that we should “pour out our hearts to God.” God already knows what we’re feeling — but He still wants to hear it from us. Prayer isn’t about informing God of something He doesn’t know; it’s about trusting Him enough to be honest. When we pour out our hearts, God pours in His peace.
DAY FIVE
Read Luke 22:39–46
Even Jesus — who knew everything that was coming — prayed. In His darkest moment, He didn’t skip prayer; He leaned into it. Jesus’ prayer in the garden shows us that prayer isn’t about changing God’s plan but about trusting it completely. When we pray, we’re saying, “God, I want Your will, not mine.”
DAY ONE
Read Luke 11:1-4 (also see Matthew 6:9-13)
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him how to pray, He didn’t give them a formula to get what they wanted — He gave them a way to stay connected to God. The Lord’s Prayer shows us that prayer isn’t about informing God but aligning our hearts with His. When we pray, we’re inviting God’s will to be done — not trying to twist His arm to do ours.
- What stands out to you about the way Jesus teaches us to pray?
- How is this prayer more about relationship than results?
- What would change if your prayers focused more on God’s will than on your wants?
DAY TWO
Read Philippians 4:4–7
Paul reminds us that prayer brings peace, not because our circumstances instantly change, but because we change when we talk to God. Even when God already knows our needs, prayer gives us a space to trust Him instead of carrying everything on our own. Prayer is less about the words we say and more about the peace He gives.
- What do you usually pray about when you’re stressed or worried?
- How does prayer help replace anxiety with peace?
- What’s one thing you can talk to God about today that you’ve been holding in?
DAY THREE
Read James 5:13–18
James tells us to pray in every situation — when we’re happy, hurting, or in need. God’s not asking for perfect prayers; He’s asking for honest ones. Elijah’s prayers in this passage didn’t change God’s plan — they showed his faith and dependence on God’s power. Prayer is powerful because it connects us to the One who is powerful.
- What kind of moments make it hardest for you to pray?
- How does this passage show that prayer is an act of faith, not just asking for help?
- When have you seen prayer make a difference — in your life or someone else’s?
DAY FOUR
Read Psalm 62:5–8
David writes that we should “pour out our hearts to God.” God already knows what we’re feeling — but He still wants to hear it from us. Prayer isn’t about informing God of something He doesn’t know; it’s about trusting Him enough to be honest. When we pour out our hearts, God pours in His peace.
- What does it mean to “pour out your heart” to God?
- Why do you think God still wants us to pray even though He knows everything?
- How could being honest with God in prayer help you grow closer to Him?
DAY FIVE
Read Luke 22:39–46
Even Jesus — who knew everything that was coming — prayed. In His darkest moment, He didn’t skip prayer; He leaned into it. Jesus’ prayer in the garden shows us that prayer isn’t about changing God’s plan but about trusting it completely. When we pray, we’re saying, “God, I want Your will, not mine.”
- Why did Jesus pray even though He knew the cross was ahead?
- What does Jesus’ prayer teach us about trusting God’s plan?
- How could your prayers change if you started saying, “Your will be done” more often?
Week 7: If God is Good, Why Do Bad Things Happen?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read Amos 5:10–15
In Amos’ time, people claimed to follow God, but their lives told a different story. They ignored justice, cheated the poor, and turned away from God’s ways — and it led to destruction. The bad things happening weren’t because God stopped being good, but because people stopped listening to Him. So much of the pain in our world comes from the way humans choose selfishness over goodness. God’s goodness doesn’t fail; we just fail to reflect it.
DAY TWO
Read John 16:33
Jesus didn’t promise a life without pain — He promised His presence in the middle of it. When He said, “In this world you will have trouble,” He was honest about the brokenness around us. But He also said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” Pain isn’t proof of God’s absence — it’s a reminder that we need His victory.
DAY THREE
Read Psalm 34:17–19
God never promised that following Him would keep us from pain. But He does promise to be close to those who are hurting. When we cry out, He listens. When we’re crushed, He lifts us up. God’s goodness doesn’t mean an easy life — it means we’re never alone in the hard parts of it.
DAY FOUR
Read Romans 8:37–39
Paul says that no matter what happens — trouble, pain, persecution, fear, or even death — nothing can separate us from God’s love. The world is broken, but God’s love is unbreakable. The cross and resurrection prove that even the worst suffering can’t stop His goodness. God’s love isn’t fragile — it’s fierce, faithful, and forever.
DAY FIVE
Read Revelation 21:1–5
The story of the Bible ends with everything made new — no more pain, tears, death, or fear. All the things that make the world hurt now will one day be gone. God’s goodness gets the last word. This is the hope that carries us through hard days: that one day, the brokenness will end, and His goodness will fill everything again.
DAY ONE
Read Amos 5:10–15
In Amos’ time, people claimed to follow God, but their lives told a different story. They ignored justice, cheated the poor, and turned away from God’s ways — and it led to destruction. The bad things happening weren’t because God stopped being good, but because people stopped listening to Him. So much of the pain in our world comes from the way humans choose selfishness over goodness. God’s goodness doesn’t fail; we just fail to reflect it.
- What kinds of injustice or wrongdoing does Amos describe here?
- How does this passage show the consequences of turning away from God’s ways?
- Why is following God’s goodness the best protection against a broken world?
DAY TWO
Read John 16:33
Jesus didn’t promise a life without pain — He promised His presence in the middle of it. When He said, “In this world you will have trouble,” He was honest about the brokenness around us. But He also said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” Pain isn’t proof of God’s absence — it’s a reminder that we need His victory.
- What does Jesus mean when He says we “will have trouble”?
- How does knowing that Jesus has “overcome the world” change the way you see pain?
- What helps you trust God’s goodness even when life feels unfair?
DAY THREE
Read Psalm 34:17–19
God never promised that following Him would keep us from pain. But He does promise to be close to those who are hurting. When we cry out, He listens. When we’re crushed, He lifts us up. God’s goodness doesn’t mean an easy life — it means we’re never alone in the hard parts of it.
- What do these verses tell you about God’s heart toward people who are suffering?
- How have you seen God show up when you’ve been hurting?
- How can you remind someone else that God is near when they’re struggling?
DAY FOUR
Read Romans 8:37–39
Paul says that no matter what happens — trouble, pain, persecution, fear, or even death — nothing can separate us from God’s love. The world is broken, but God’s love is unbreakable. The cross and resurrection prove that even the worst suffering can’t stop His goodness. God’s love isn’t fragile — it’s fierce, faithful, and forever.
- What kinds of things in this passage do people often think could separate them from God’s love?
- How does this truth give you hope when life feels out of control?
- What would change if you really believed that nothing could separate you from God’s love?
DAY FIVE
Read Revelation 21:1–5
The story of the Bible ends with everything made new — no more pain, tears, death, or fear. All the things that make the world hurt now will one day be gone. God’s goodness gets the last word. This is the hope that carries us through hard days: that one day, the brokenness will end, and His goodness will fill everything again.
- What do you notice about the way God describes this new creation?
- How does knowing “the ending of the story” give you peace right now?
- What does it look like to live today with that kind of hope?
Week 8: When People Are Hurting, Where Is God?
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the verses provided each week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
DAY ONE
Read Exodus 3:7–10
When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, it probably felt like God had forgotten them. But in this moment, God says, “I have seen their misery… I have heard their cries… and I am concerned.” Before God acts, He sees and cares. God never ignores pain — He enters into it.
DAY TWO
Read John 11:32–36
Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead — yet He still wept. Why? Because God doesn’t just fix pain; He feels it. When you hurt, God isn’t cold or distant. Through Jesus, He’s experienced grief, loss, and sorrow Himself. The tears of Jesus tell us that God’s love is never detached — it’s deeply personal.
DAY THREE
Read Psalm 23:1–6
David doesn’t say God keeps him from the valley — he says God walks with him through it. God’s presence doesn’t always remove the pain, but it gives us peace and courage to face it. When we trust the Shepherd, even dark valleys become places where we find His comfort.
DAY FOUR
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
Paul reminds us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Sometimes the reason God doesn’t take away all pain is because He wants to use us to help others in theirs. Our hurt can become a bridge to healing for someone else.
DAY FIVE
Read Isaiah 61:1–3
God promises to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and comfort those who mourn. This isn’t just something for the future — it’s what Jesus came to do now. God’s heart is to turn pain into purpose and ashes into beauty. Even when you don’t see how, He’s already working to restore what’s been lost.
DAY ONE
Read Exodus 3:7–10
When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, it probably felt like God had forgotten them. But in this moment, God says, “I have seen their misery… I have heard their cries… and I am concerned.” Before God acts, He sees and cares. God never ignores pain — He enters into it.
- What does this passage show you about God’s heart for people who are hurting?
- How does it feel to know that God “sees” and “hears” your pain?
- Who around you might need to be reminded that God hasn’t forgotten them?
DAY TWO
Read John 11:32–36
Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead — yet He still wept. Why? Because God doesn’t just fix pain; He feels it. When you hurt, God isn’t cold or distant. Through Jesus, He’s experienced grief, loss, and sorrow Himself. The tears of Jesus tell us that God’s love is never detached — it’s deeply personal.
- What does it mean to you that Jesus wept, even though He knew the miracle was coming?
- How does this story help you see God differently when you’re grieving?
- How can you reflect God’s compassion to someone who’s hurting this week?
DAY THREE
Read Psalm 23:1–6
David doesn’t say God keeps him from the valley — he says God walks with him through it. God’s presence doesn’t always remove the pain, but it gives us peace and courage to face it. When we trust the Shepherd, even dark valleys become places where we find His comfort.
- What do you think it means that God “walks with us” through the valley?
- How does knowing God is with you change the way you face hard things?
- What “valley” are you walking through right now, and how can you invite God into it?
DAY FOUR
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
Paul reminds us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Sometimes the reason God doesn’t take away all pain is because He wants to use us to help others in theirs. Our hurt can become a bridge to healing for someone else.
- What does this passage teach about how God uses our pain for good?
- Have you ever been comforted by someone who understood what you were going through?
- Who might God be asking you to comfort or encourage right now?
DAY FIVE
Read Isaiah 61:1–3
God promises to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and comfort those who mourn. This isn’t just something for the future — it’s what Jesus came to do now. God’s heart is to turn pain into purpose and ashes into beauty. Even when you don’t see how, He’s already working to restore what’s been lost.
- What words or phrases in this passage show God’s heart for people who are hurting?
- What does it mean that God can bring “beauty from ashes”?
- How have you seen God bring something good or healing out of a hard situation?